Globe Direct had sought to enjoin former employees from calling on clients while representing Kirkwood Direct. But the court ruled that Globe Direct “had failed to establish a likelihood of success on the merits.”

Globe Direct is a direct marketing subsidiary of the Boston Globe newspaper.

“We are gratified, but not surprised, by the court’s ruling,” said Stephan Duncan, president and general manager of Kirkwood Direct, in a release.

Globe Direct filed suit, alleging that former employees now with Kirkwood Direct had misappropriated trade secrets and confidential information from Globe Direct. It will likely take about a year for the court case to go to trial.